Healthy food ingredients: Proteins from sunflower seeds

We develop innovative and efficient processes for recovering alternative plant-based food ingredients. Recently we have succeeded in fractionating sunflower seeds. Amongst other things this has enabled us to recover protein flour having excellent sensory quality and good functional properties. The result is a purely plant-based, non-allergenic protein source that can be used in a wide variety of foods such as baked products, spreads, and snack bars.

The development of a process for recovering sunflower protein concentrate has opened up further opportunities for using this ingredient in, for example, surrogate dairy products and high-protein foods for athletes such as shakes and energy bars. We have small pilot plant facilities for processing plant raw materials, so enabling us to manufacture sample products for industrial trials and consumer tests. Please contact us for advice on how plant-based food ingredients could be used by your company.

Accelerated measurement method for high-barrier films

High-barrier laminates manufactured in roll-to-roll processes and used for the encapsulation of flexible solar cells and electronics must have as low as possible oxygen and water vapor permeabilities. It is a challenge to measure the permeability of such films over long periods of time. The tests can take several months. The Fraunhofer IVV has therefore developed a device for measuring the permeability of ultra barrier films that is used in combination with associated computer simulation software. The high measurement sensitivity and the computer modeling of the permeation process enable the water vapor permeability to be determined 3 to 4 times faster than conventional methods. The new system also allows measurements to be carried out simultaneously on several films. You are welcome to use this system for your own R&D work. Please contact us for further details and personal advice.

Component cleaning becomes digital

At the parts2clean fair in Stuttgart on 23-25 October 2018 (Hall 5, Stand C31) we will present software for the virtual design and evaluation of static and dynamic spray cleaning systems. This enables prediction of the effectiveness of the cleaning, allowing complex cleaning systems to be simulated and optimized in the design phase. Time-consuming iterative adaptations to prototypes or at the customer and the oversizing of systems are completely avoided.

In addition we will present a modular system solution for process data recording that brings together information from analog and digital interfaces in plants and from the plant operators. Process data and metadata can be linked, analyzed, and visualized with the evaluation of the part cleanliness and transferred to a digital quality protocol. We look forward to seeing you at our stand. We can also provide you with advice before or after the fair. Just arrange an appointment with us.

On 7/8 November 2018 we would also like to invite you to the VVD Workshop "FutureClean 2018: Digitalization of cleaning" in Dresden. This workshop will cover the topic of hygienic production. A program and registration form can be found here. This workshop will be held in German.

PolyStyreneLoop – EPS recycling in a closed cycle

Expanded polystyerene (Styropor® or airpop®) in building waste is contaminated with the flame retardant HBCD and current legislation dictates that this must be disposed of in a safe way. This is generally achieved by thermal treatment. The ongoing PolyStyreneLoop project, a project being funded under the EU LIFE program, involves 64 industrial partners and research organizations and is now transferring a viable and environmentally friendly alternative recycling technology to an industrial scale. The Fraunhofer IVV CreaSolv® process dissolves the expanded polystyrene from the mixed waste and safely separates the flame retardants from the polymer matrix. The fire retardants are then thermally decomposed. The bromine is recovered and used for the production of modern, safer fire retardants. The purified polystyrene solution undergoes several further processing steps, with the result being a polystyrene recyclate free of flame retardants suitable for the manufacture of new insulating materials. The project thus showcases a functioning circular economy.

The pilot plant used for the PolyStyreneLoop project is suitable for processing 2000 to 3000 tonnes annually and from 2019 will be operational in Terneuzen in the Netherlands. Recycling companies will hence have the opportunity to dispose of polystyrene that is contaminated with flame retardants in an effective and environmentally friendly way.

Workshop "Analytical Data – Data Analytics" on 15/16 October 2018

How do we deal with the increasing data complexity of modern analytical methods? To address this question, we cordially invite you to attend our “Analytical Data – Data Analytics” workshop which takes place at the Fraunhofer IVV on 15-16 October 2018. The workshop will cover the diverse challenges in handling complex analytical data, including choosing the best tools, applying the most appropriate methods, designing suitable intelligent interfaces, and executing the most fitting data processing steps. Experts from academia and industry will present the state-of-the-art and future challenges in this field. Reserve your place at this interesting event and join us to discuss the risks and opportunities and to help shape the digital transformation of analytical data.

The workshop is being organized by the Campus of the Senses, which is a joint initiative between the Fraunhofer IVV and the Fraunhofer IIS. Further information about the Campus of the Senses can be found on the website: www.campusofthesenses.com

Save the Date: "Fascination of Technology" event

We would like to make you aware of the upcoming "Fascination of Technology" event being organized by the Fraunhofer IIS in Erlangen in collaboration with the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). As part of the "Campus of the Senses" initiative this event will inform you about opportunities for digitalization of human sensory perception. Prof. Jessica Freiherr of the Fraunhofer IVV will be giving one of a series of talks on 9 October 2018.

Prof. Andrea Büttner will be taking to the podium for questions on 8 November 2018 in an open workshop. The event will be held in German.